Explore the cracks and crevices in this limestone preserve.

Open to the Public

Route 146, which bisects the preserve, is thought to be the old “Palantine Road,” built by Palatine Germans in the early eighteenth century to connect their settlements in the Schoharie Valley with Albany. The area north of Route 146 was abandoned as pasture land more than 50 years ago. The southern area of the preserve was probably never farmed but only used for logging.

A 1.3 mile trail is blazed orange and has a few short but steep climbs. After you cross the road and enter the southern section, use special care to avoid stepping into deep crevices and holes in the limestone, especially in winter or after the leaves have fallen, when the crevices may be hidden. Allow about one hour to complete the circuit.

Visitors to this site will find unusual cracks and crevices where rain has dissolved away the underlying limestone bedrock. There is also a fine display of wildflowers in the spring, the most striking of which is white trillium that blankets the forest floor for a few weeks in May.

This 70-acre preserve is located in the Town of Knox in Albany County, NY.

Directions

From the Albany area, takes Route 20 and 146 to Altamont.

Turn right in Altamont, staying on Route 146.

At about 5 miles from Altamont, County 252 crosses Route 146.

Continue on Route 146 for another 0.5 mile, then turn right on Nash Road.

Turn left, just over 0.1 mile from the turn, for the trail entrance.

Note: There is a farm gate on the right, across the entrance. Park along Nash Road, but please do not block the farm gate.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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